Suggestions on a new fork for my hardtail

So I recently got into mountain biking about a month ago and I absolutely love it. Reminds me of my younger days riding BMX trails, only much much better. Not really knowing that I'd like it this much, I bought a simple entry level Trek 4300. So far I love the bike but I can tell that the components are not going to hold up for long on the trails I've been riding. The first thing I'd like to upgrade is the front fork but after days of reasearching forks for clydesdale riders, my head is spinning and I've come up with no real answers and I'm hoping the good folks on this forum could make a few suggestions. I'm 270lbs and ride in NJ, so far mostly dirt or sand singletrack with small jumps and features but the northern part of the state had some great rocky trails that I'd like to hit up as well. So I'm looking for a fork that will hold up to my weight, daily beatings and not feel as much like a pogo stick. I know this is a tall order, can anyone make a recomendation?

As far as my budget goes, I'd like to keep it affordable but utlimately I want something that performs. My bikes a 26er too. I'll look into the manitou, do you think a spring shock is the way to go over an air shock?

As far as my budget goes, I'd like to keep it affordable but utlimately I want something that performs. My bikes a 26er too. I'll look into the manitou, do you think a spring shock is the way to go over an air shock?

The Manitou Minute Expert is a Spring/Air combination. Using the firm spring with air preload it will hold your weight and the damper is one of the best on the market.

If weight(the fork's, not yours) isn't a big factor, look for a recon air, Jenson has them pretty cheap most of the time. I had a manitou Drake, but it was much harsher to ride than a recon. If it helps any, I was at 270# when I was riding the recon. Recently switched to a Fox F100RLC that I found used and have never looked back. The recon survived from 270pounds down to 223(that poor fork)

The best upgrade I made for the 4300 was selling it! I had a 2008 4300 Disc and I couldn't find any redeeming qualities in that bike.

Mine had the RST Gila fork and it was a P.O.S. If it were me and I HAD to keep that bike I'd replace the fork with a Surly Rigid fork. I did that with my old Fisher Marlin it made the bike lighter. Those low end forks are pretty much worthless for a clyde they just add weight.